We have used ABC Motorhome 3 times, so far. Sign up to receive e-mails at
www.abcmotorhome.com They are advertising now for discounts for next year. We have always gone around the 18-21st of August for about 10-12 days. They charge by the day and you don't pay per mile like places down here do. You only refill the gas and propane tanks upon return. The motorhomes are fully equipped with bedding, towels, and a well stocked kitchen. You need only stop at the grocery store and liquor store on your way out of Anchorage.
When picking up the unit they have grills, outdoor folding chairs and coolers to rent. The cost has been $5 per item for the length of your trip. There have always been bags of charcoal to take as well as starter. They have a "free" table where the previous camper has left the items they didn't use, like dishwashing soap, aluminum foil, paper towels, cooking oil, toilet paper, boxed items, canned sodas and even some beer. The refrigerator has items like eggs, mayonnaise, etc. Well worth checking out. Food is expensive up there. I have packed coffee, filters,a bar of soap, seasonings, crackers, cereal or oatmeal in zip lock bags, snack foods and other things that pack well and doesn't put my suitcase over 50lbs. It is easier done than you think.
One year a friend and I went halibut fishing and were we ever lucky. We had halibut tacos and grilled halibut which when fresh like that was delicious. Look for fishermen selling fish along the road or in parking lots. While in Homer photographing 2 adult eagles feeding their young my husband found a guy selling shrimp and scallops, wow what a treat. That eagle's nest is on the right side of the road going into Homer across the street from the post office and McDonalds, really cool. We sat in the parking lot for a couple of hours taking pictures and talking to local folks who are always full of good information they like to share.
I have driven our units which were 24ft. with no problems....I did not have previous experience! We made no campground reservations and traveled according to weather conditions. One time we were going to head south. But while at the Saturday farmer's market in Anchorage my husband could see Denali so we headed north. We saw the mountain for 4 days in a row!
Another thing I did was check out the farmer's markets in the various cities/towns we would be traveling through. We picked up some wonderful fruits, vegetables, breads and even some craft items. If you go during the state fair in Palmer, you can park in a big field and stay overnight at no extra charge. There are no hookups so be sure to have water in the tank, battery charged (not sure about time you can use generator while camping overnight there) and, of course, holding tanks aren't too full! If you don't use their lot at that time, you may need campground reservations if you stay near that area at that time.
If you do go fishing, there are places that will process the fish the way you want and flash freeze it. ABC says so fish in the refrigerator but since this is flash frozen and no smell we have done it with no problems. If your home bound flight is late at night, you can keep your fish in the freezer at the airport for about $15 a day. We always bring along an extra suitcase or duffle bag for this purpose and stuff it with insulation, paper and clothes. The excess baggage fee is cheaper than sending it home FedEx. After I heard an airline pilot say he had his fish box stolen twice, I decided not to put it in a box saying "Alaska Fish", advertising is not always a good thing!
This time of year the northern lights can be seen and this year has been great. Start looking after 11pm and till 4 or 5a.m. I was in Fairbanks in March and it was fantastic, breathtaking, beautiful and just plain amazing. I may try a fall trip next time, a little warmer. I arrived in Fairbanks and it was minus 36°
Let me know if you have any more questions, I'll be glad to help.
Forest River Flagstaff V-Lite 26 WRB. 2015 Ford F 250 diesel, Hensley Arrow Hitch
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